Conservation areas

Conservation Areas are defined in the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas Act) 1990 as 'areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. Conservation Areas are therefore those areas considered to have the most important environmental quality in the District.

The character of Conservation Areas is as varied as our landscape. In Ryedale, the majority of Conservation Areas are small, rural settlements whose character is derived from the unique way in which the man-made elements (such as houses, cottages, walls, churches, farms and public buildings, etc) of each settlement relate to each other and the natural framework of landscape features (such as village greens, becks, ponds, trees, hedges and distinctive topographical features).

An area designated as a Conservation Area requires planning applications to be made for certain types of development which are elsewhere classified as permitted development. These extra controls are designed to preserve or enhance the character of the area and the quality of design. The regulations are complicated, so it is advisable to consult the Planning Department before you undertake any new work. However, Planning Permission is likely to be required for the following works:

cladding any part of the exterior

demolition of an unlisted building in a Conservation Area

alterations to the roof of a dwelling house which results in a material alteration to its shape, notably dormer windows